"It's now NASA’s honor to permanently house this magnificent spacecraft right here where she rose to the skies 33 times carrying 156 men and women,’’ said Bolden, a former astronaut who flew on Atlantis. "She’s truly a testament to American ingenuity.’’

Atlantis was traveling atop a 76-wheel apparatus to the visitor complex, where it will be put on display in a $100-million hall due to open in July.

While less complicated than Endeavour’s transit, the Atlantis move involves moving the craft -- with its 78-foot wingspan and a tail that reaches more than five stories-- through spots with no more than six inches of clearance.

The spacecraft will be covered with about 16,000 square feet of shrink wrap to protect it while workers finish the exhibit hall. Plans calls for displaying Atlantis on a 43-degree angle with its payload doors open.